WINE LIST
UPDATED 19TH MAY 2006
REDS
PINOT NOIR & GAMAY
Pinot Noir & Gamay are hugely popular in the warmer summer months. Compared with Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon they are feather
weight varieties, and with their mouthwatering juicy-fruit nature can easily be enjoyed with or without food. When the temperature rises,
don't be afraid to chill these down for 5 minutes in an ice bucket.
175ml 250ml Bottle Glass Glass
Madfish Pinot Noir 2004 Western Australia 14.5% abv 24.00
Toasty oak spice adds savoury complexity to the lush ripe black fruits. A luxurious and lightly opulent style.
Babich Winemaker's Reserve Pinot Noir 2003 New Zealand 13.5% abv 27.00
Our most elegant Pinot achieves a superior & pure expression of this temperamental variety. Elegant cherry fruits and a light touch with the oak maturation make this a posh, polished Pinot.
Cycles Gladiator Pinot Noir 2004 California 14% abv 5.75 8.25 22.00
Warm, spicy and mellow with the emphasis on vanilla-scented oak and a soft velvety texture.
Bourgogne Pinot Noir 2003 Domaine Rossignol 12.5% abv 5.25 7.50 20.00
Great value Burgundy from a small family run estate in Volnay. With tasty forest fruits and a gentle undercurrent of savoury earthiness, this delivers way beyond expectation for its modest price.
Fleurie Chateau de Raousset 2004 Beaujolais 13% abv 26.00
This quality-driven small estate produces wines of intensity and persistence. You'll discover smoky, penetrating, peppery complexity – not as frivolous as many wines from this village.
SHIRAZ/SYRAH & BLENDS
Shiraz is a grape with a powerful personality that yields an indulgent and complex range of flavours. Each of these wines has its own individual character – they are all worth becoming intimate with.
175ml 250ml Bottle Glass
Babich Winemaker's Reserve Syrah 2004 New Zealand 12.5% abv 6.50 9.25 24.50
This is one of the most elegant & rewarding reds on our list. Adding just a small percentage of the fragrant white Viognier grape to Syrah has become extremely trendy, and replicates the finest iconic reds of the northern Rhone valley. This is class in a glass, please try it.
Hahn Syrah 2003 California 14% abv 27.00
The velvety texture, dark chocolatey fruit & meaty richness make this stand out. Undeniably grown-up but with a mellow approachability that is distinctly more-ish.
Katnook Estate Founders Block Shiraz 2003 Australia 14% abv 26.00
This Coonawarra estate produces stellar wines that have the X-factor. Powerful intensity of rich blackberry fruit underpinned by well-integrated oak spice and a lick of dark chocolate. Excellent balance, immensely pleasurable.
Grant Burge Barossa Vines Shiraz 2004 South Australia 13% abv 5.50 8.00 21.00
Grant is renowned for his bold, concentrated reds & impressive, lusty Barossa style. This will not disappoint.
St Hallett Shiraz/Grenache 2004 South Australia 14% abv 20.00
From the sun drenched vineyards of the Barossa Valley this robust, smoky red brims with savoury black fruits & peppery warmth.
Cotes du Rhone Villages 2002/3 Caves de Chusclan 13.5% abv 5.50 7.75 20.50
Unlike most generic CDR this is produced almost entirely from Syrah. Complex notes of savoury black fruit, leather & spice will attract lovers of flavoursome, manly reds
Please note that all wines and the vintages stated are subject to availability from our suppliers.
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REDS
MERLOT & BLENDS
The mellow Merlot grape may not be in the same muscle-flexing league as the more substantial Cabernet or Shiraz , but its generous, amenable and relatively undemanding personality has won many fans. Below you will find everything from the most modest of styles to illustrious right bank Claret from Bordeaux .
175ml 250ml Bottle Glass
Cycles Gladiator Merlot 2004 California 13.5% abv 5.50 8.00 21.00
Extravagantly ripe plummy fruit with notes of rich fruit cake & cinnamon spice. This is flamboyant, exuberant and satin-smooth.
7th Continent Merlot 2004 Australia 13% abv 5.25 7.50 20.00
Terrific balance of decadent lush Merlot fruit enhanced by a little Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend. An awesome concentration of ripe berries & savoury herbal intensity. This rocks!
San Rafael Merlot 2005 Chile 13.5% abv 4.25 6.00 16.00
Simple though well made juicy fruity compote that provides uncomplicated enjoyment.
Chateau du Plantier Bordeaux rouge 2002 Bordeaux 12% abv 17.00
There is a touch of velvety richness to this modern, forward Claret, and plenty of leafy blackcurrant fruit to keep the juices flowing.
St-Emilion Grand Cru Chateau Pontet Fumet 1999/2001 Bordeaux 12.5% abv 35.00
Savoury scents of cedar wood, tobacco and dried fruits make this a classic with roast beef and steak. Produced from superior Grand Cru rated vineyards and aged in small French oak barriques.
CABERNET SAUVIGNON & BLENDS
With Cabernet you know what you are getting - structured, ink-deep wines with leafy blackcurrant or cassis flavours, and plenty of them. Cabernet usually benefits from a period of oak maturation, and is a rewarding team-player when blended with Merlot or Shiraz .
175ml 250ml Bottle -Glass
Brio de Chateau Cantenac Brown 2001 Margaux 12.5% abv 40.00
Margaux is often more forward and generous in nature than wine produced in the communes further north. Brio's elegant Cabernet perfume and fleshy currant fruit is typical. An affordable piece of luxury.
GB 51 Cabernet/Shiraz 2004 Australia 13.5% abv 4.00 5.75 15.00
Mouthfilling, ripe curranty fruit and a whisper of oak spice. Crowd & purse-friendly, easy to appreciate.
Preece Cabernet Sauvignon 2003 Australia 14.5% 21.00
Velvety mouth feel and rich cassis-laden fruit all cosily wrapped in savoury oak spice.
Knappstein Cabernet/Merlot 2003 South Australia 14.5% abv 6.50 9.00 24.00
Opulent aromas of cassis and blackcurrant simply leap out of the glass. Herbal, minty complexity, a sympathetic dollop of oak spice and a lush satin texture make this stand out from the pack.
Altas Cumbres Cabernet Sauvignon 2003 Argentina 13% abv 4.50 6.50 17.50
Meaty but mellow style heaving with baked berry fruit & cinnamon spice. Argentina 's wines have become a force to be reckoned with.
NATIONAL TREASURES
This eclectic selection reveals fine examples of popular wines that these regions or countries have become famous for – iconic flag-bearers that can be relied upon for any occasion
175ml 250ml Bottle Glass
Altas Cumbres Malbec 2004 Argentina 14% abv 4.50 6.50 17.50
A sensuous texture and vivid black fruit assault make this everything a Malbec devotee could dream of, and then some. Oh boy, this is good!
Delicato Old Vine Zinfandel 2004 California 13.5% abv 5.50 7.75 20.50
Succulent, concentrated blueberry & cranberry compote. This likes to be chilled down a degree or two when the temperature rises.
Chianti Classico, Villa Cafaggio 2003 Italy 13% abv 26.00
Supple, savoury tannins and lively cherry fruit make this streets ahead of the dried-out stringy versions we have encountered.
Rioja Crianza, Vina Acedo 2001 Spain 13% abv 5.00 7.25 19.50
The quality of this exceptional vintage in Rioja make this a must-try. Creamy coconut-scented oak and wild strawberry fruit in perfect harmony. Sensational!
Rioja Reserva Bodegas Tobia 2001/02 Spain 13% abv 29.00
This is voluptuous and decadently spicy with fragrant cinnamon spice and fruit cake richness. The creamy, velvety texture make it a real pleasure to drink on its own.
Please note that all wines and the vintages stated are subject to availability from our suppliers.
PINK
Rosé has become the fastest growing wine category in the UK for the last two years, and our rosé offering expands every summer to keep up with your demands. We have definitely become a nation that loves to drink pink and the choice below provides something for everyone.
175ml 250ml Bottle Glass
Pinot Grigio Rosé Ca'Lunghetta 2004/5 Italy 12% abv 4.50 6.50 17.00
Pink Pinot is ultra-cool this summer. Check out this tasty strawberry style and chill.
Rioja Rosado Bodegas Tobia 2005 Spain 12.5% abv 4.75 6.75 18.00
This is light in weight but big on flavour. An outstandingly attractive peppery pink that will flatter anything you eat with it.
Carmen Cabernet Sauvignon Rosé 2005/6 Chile 14% abv 4.75 6.75 18.00
Our most voluptuous rosé over delivers on succulent super-ripe blackcurrant fruit, and will stand up to the most robustly flavoured dishes.
Cycles Gladiator Rosé 2005 California 13.5% abv 5.50 8.00 21.00
Rather elegant dry rosé specially blended for us from Syrah & Pinot Noir. From Monterey in California , but with a seductive French accent!
Sancerre Rosé ‘Le Grand Fricambault' Domaine Neveu 2005 12.5% abv 31.00
Produced in very limited quantities and you drank us dry last summer. Make the most of the stylish new vintage of this most graceful Pinot Noir pink, because when it's gone, it's gone!
PORT 87.5ml 175ml Bottle Glass
Fonseca Late Bottled Vintage 1999 20% abv 4.00 8.00 30.00
Please note that all wines and the vintages stated are subject to availability from our suppliers.
CHAMPAGNE 125ml Bottle Glass
NON-VINTAGE
Joseph Perrier Cuvée Royal 12% abv 7.50 35.00
Forward and flavoursome with a smooth biscuity finish that lingers.
Pommery Brut Royal 12.5% abv 8.00 38.00
Lively & light-hearted, delicate citrus & green apple fruit, crisp biscuity finish.
Pol Roger Brut Reserve White Foil 12.5% abv 45.00
Mouthfilling & elegant, expressive, persistent & complex. One of our favourites.
Bollinger Special Cuvée 12.5% abv 55.00
Profoundly satisfying, toasted brioche, fleshy baked apple, rich yet racy.
Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin Yellow Label 12.5% abv 10.00 50.00
Champagne 's ‘Grande Dame' – forward fruit, crisp texture, a crowd-pleaser.
PINK
Laurent Perrier Rosé nv 12.5% abv 67.00
A super-model rosé produced solely from Pinot Noir grown in Grand Cru vineyards.
Pommery Brut Rosé nv 12.5% abv 9.50 49.00
Delicate red berry fruit and floral overtones, stylish & very accessible.
Dampierre Oeil de Perdrix Premier Cru Rosé nv 12.00% abv 50.00
More complex, mature, sumptuous style than Pommery rose. A rush of intense red fruits overlaid with elegant toasty, biscuity richness is enlivened with an ebullient zesty finish. Magnificent!
VINTAGE & PRESTIGE CUVEE
Pommery Millesime 1995 12.5% abv 60.00
Open, honeyed & toasty with mature biscuity richness. Graceful, polished and refined.
Bollinger Grande Année 1997 12.5% abv 80.00
Rampant candied fruit & flower blossom, opulent toasted texture. Simply sublime.
Dom Perignon 1998 12.5% abv 125.00
Statuesque, brioche-scented, with a silky texture & lots of staying power. What a treat!
Krug Grand Cuvée 12.5% abv 125.00
Rich vanilla cream & roasted hazelnuts, powerful, exotic, virile.
EN MAGNUM
Joseph Perrier Cuvée Royal 12% abv 72.00
Go mad for this magnificent magnum – perfect for parties & self-indulgence. Please note that all wines and the vintages stated are subject to availability from our suppliers.
WHITE WINES
Please note that all wines and the vintages stated are subject to availability from our suppliers.
CHARDONNAY
Chardonnay once again appears to be ‘a la mode', largely due we believe to the rash of styles with littleor no oak contact. The unoaked wines offer a vivacious freshness and easy drinkability with or without food, yet remain flavoursome due to sophisticated winemaking techniques. The Aussie Chardonnays below are a perfect example, as are the classic Chablis originals.
175ml 250ml Bottle Glass
Chablis, Laroche 2005 Burgundy 12.5% abv 7.25 10.00 27.00
Michel Laroche is known as the master of Chablis. His benchmark Chardonnays never fail to impress.
Chablis 1er Cru Montmains, Chablisienne 2000/01 Burgundy 13% abv 33.00
This perfect expression of premium quality Chablis boasts an exhilarating rush of savoury minerality and citrus verve.
Macon-Villages, Domaine Des Tourterelles 2003 Burgundy 13% abv 5.75 8.00 21.50
Authentic minerality cuts a dash alongside tangy peach kernel fruitiness. Terrific value white Burgundy .
Saint-Veran, Domaine Corsin 2002/3 Burgundy 13.5% abv 31.00
A restrained approach to oak contact has enhanced the fleshy stone fruit character with hints of toasted hazelnut.
Meursault Domaine Latour-Giraud 2002 Burgundy 13% abv 49.00
A seductive, harmonious, barrel-fermented mouthful of fleshy stone fruits and grilled hazelnut richness. From an excellent vintage.
Finca la Florencia Chardonnay 2004/05 Argentina 13.5% abv 19.00
High altitude vineyards, limited yields and sophisticated winemaking techniques mean this lightly oaked wine delivers way beyond its modest price.
Grant Burge Barossa Vines Chardonnay 2005 Australia 14% abv 5.25 7.50 20.00
Emphatically fresh, fruit-driven and oak-free. A refreshing & elegant style perfect for summer quaffing.
GB23 Chardonnay 2005 Australia 13% abv 4.00 5.75 15.00
Lively citrus & white fruit flavours with a subtle creamy edge, and no oak in sight.
PINOT GRIGIO/PINOT GRIS & BLENDS
You all seem to be smitten with the Californian Pinot Grigio that we introduced six months ago. Now we are further extending this section with a new Australian recruit which will also appeal to Chardonnay fans. Apparently Pinot can do no wrong, so we even have a pink version for you this year! (you will find this listed in our rosé selection)
175ml 250ml Bottle Glass
Cycles Gladiator Pinot Grigio 2005 California 13% abv 21.00
Same wine, different equally fun label. This new livery simply replaces the previous Rex Goliath rooster, so you can continue to enjoy the authentic citrus & floral zip as usual.
Pinot Grigio Altana di Vico 2004/05 Italy 12% abv 4.25 6.25 16.50
Bright, breezy, and relentlessly thirst-quenching.
7th Continent Pinot Grigio/Chardonnay 2005 Australia 12.5% abv 5.25 7.50 20.00
Your new best friend! Ripe, peachy Chardonnay blessed with a light, spicy Pinot kick. This will appeal to fans of both grape varieties, in spades.
Babich Marlborough Pinot Gris 2004/05 New Zealand 12% abv 21.00
What a difference growing this rather delicate grape in a sunny, but not overly hot climate makes. The pure fruit flavours & silky texture extend into a long elegant finish.
Please note that all wines and the vintages stated are subject to availability from our suppliers.
SAUVIGNON BLANC & BLENDS
It is hard to find a more perfect wine style for cooling off during the summer heat. Sauvignon Blanc tantalizes the taste buds and slakes the thirst with a style that few other wines can match.
175ml 250ml Bottle Glass
St Hallett Semillon/Sauvignon 2004/05 Australia 11.5% abv 5.25 7.50 20.00
Classy, elegant, thirst-quenching & with a pleasingly moderate alcohol content. All combine to provide the perfect antidote to sultry summer heat.
Babich Black Label Sauvignon Blanc 2005 New Zealand 13.5% abv 5.50 8.00 21.00
Created especially for us, this sassy Sauvignon zings with passion-fruit zest & offers a more generous texture than most. If you previously thought this grape wasn't for you, you should give this a whirl.
Carmen Sauvignon Blanc 2005/6 Chile 13.00% abv 4.50 6.50 17.50
This flamboyant, full-on fruity style has become a big favourite in all our bars.
Dieu Donne Sauvignon Blanc 2005 South Africa 13% abv 19.50
You get a lot of bang for your buck here. Bursting with zesty, herbaceous fruit flavours that take a leaf out of Sancerre's book.
Huia Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2004/05 New Zealand 12.5% abv 27.00
The essence of superlative Kiwi Sauvignon - powerful, concentrated, pure, naked. A wine idol.
Sancerre Lucien Crochet 2004/05 Loire, France 13% abv 8.00 11.50 30.00
The ‘original' Sauvignon that still entrances its' devotees with piquant gooseberry fruit and a racy attack on your taste buds. 2004 & 2005 were superlative vintages in the Loire .
Pouilly Fume Serge Dagueneau 2004/05 Loire, France 13.5% abv 28.00
Definitely a trophy wine and undoubtedly one of the very finest examples. A classic that will keep you coming back for more.
Laroche Sauvignon Blanc 2005 Southern France 12% abv 16.50
Light-hearted, expressive, sprightly personality. Full of ‘joie de vivre' but not in your face.
AROMA-THERAPY
If you are bored with Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, or simply yearn for something bit different, you will find plenty of interest here. All wines possess a degree of aromatic fragrance and a user-friendly personality, and are equally satisfying with or without food. So go on, exercise your adventurous streak.
175ml 250ml Bottle Glass
Les Fleurs d'Alsace, Hugel 2004 France 12% abv 5.00 7.25 19.00
Unusually for Alsace , this is a blend of several grape varieties, though the steely minerality of Riesling and smoky richness of Pinot Gris are most evident.
Domaine Montrose Viognier 2004/5 Southern France 12.5% abv 4.50 6.50 17.50
We continue to be amazed at the quality of this Viognier for its very modest price. The talented young winemaker at this Languedoc estate obviously knows how to handle this tricky grape.
Ovacion Verdejo/Viura 2004/5 Spain 12.5% abv 4.50 6.50 17.00
Rueda in the north west produces some of the best quality and value white wines in Spain . Forget your dodgy holiday wine experiences, simply allow the youthful optimism & fruit intensity to impress & refresh.
Long Beach Chenin Blanc 2005 South Africa 12.5% abv 4.00 5.75 15.50
Hard to beat this impressively made wine for carefree quaffing. Careful winemaking enhances the fleshy fruit and mouthfilling texture – very crowd-friendly.
Madfish Riesling 2005 Western Australia 12.5% abv 6.50 9.50 24.00
Recently voted best dry Riesling in Australia . We hope that award will encourage you to give this hugely appealing wine a trial run. Terrific with Thai & Oriental dishes.
Babich Marlborough Riesling 2004/05 New Zealand 12% abv 5.25 7.50 21.00
A slightly more subtle but enormously appealing alternative to Madfish. Babich Riesling has a personality that refreshes and revitalises with emphatic pure fruit flavours & a civilised alcohol content.
WHITE WINES
Ask for details about a variety of wine events -
one of our team of enthusiastic and friendly presenters will host an event to suit you. We also love hosting parties and making your event special.