HENSCHKE Hill of Roses Shiraz, Eden Valley Henschke Portfolio >

The delicate perfume of lime blossom, jasmine and quince accompanies layers of spice, white peach and pear notes. There is great focus and fine phenolic texture through the palate, with juicy acidity lending persistence. Medium-dry in style, this is wine delicious now, but will also reward those who cellar it. Claire Mulholland, Burn Cottage

On the nose it shows yellow flowers, exotic fruit and white peach together with smoky and peaty notes. Juicy fruit palate accented with mineral, aromatic herbs and almond alongside crisp acidity. The finish is dry and very persistent. Made from 100% Garganega, this wine was first made in 1986. Whole grapes were pressed and fermented for 16 days in steel vats, followed by 15 months in contact with fine lees and then 5 months in bottle before release. For generations the life of the Tessari family has been dedicated to the cultivation of the vine in the Soave area, the oldest white wine production area in Italy. Since 1887 the family has owned vineyards at the very heart of the Soave Classica area. This is a restricted area with special soil, climatic and morphological conditions centred around the small village of Fittà. The Suavia wine farm is located in Fittà, in the municipality of Soave, at 296 metres above sea level. Suavias modern and efficient winery was designed to produce only white wines using the best technology available, in order to obtain the very best from the regions native grapes. There were two crucial points to the winery design: the first was to develop a structure capable of making the best possible use of gravity to reduce the movement of must and wine to a minimum, and the second was to create an architectural style that would blend seamlessly in with the surrounding wine producing landscape. The farms twelve hectares of vineyards are located in the centre of the Soave Classica area. To be more precise, they belong to two particular microzones with unique and unmistakeable characteristics, those of Fittà and Castellaro.

Château Latour is situated in the heart of the Médoc wine region, about 50 km north-west of Bordeaux, where the legend of the vineyards of Bordeaux began. The Château’s prime terroir, l’Enclos, overlooks the Gironde Estuary which, over the centuries, has given the vineyard its geological complexity and, on a daily basis, ensures a mild climate. In the years since 1993, under the leadership of the Pinault family, the estate’s owner, significant changes have been made with a view to maintaining Château Latour’s pursuit of excellence in the wines that it produces. Dark ruby in colour with a very elegant nose with beautiful aromatic purity. Generous and powerful on the palate with a velvety mouthfeel, full of silky tannins. Brimming with energy, the finale is superbly precise with fabulous length.

Pierrick Laroche, the proud owner of Domaine des Hâtes, continues the legacy of his family's estate located in the picturesque village of Maligny, in the north-west sector of Chablis. Established by his father in the 1970s, Pierrick's family vineyard holdings have gradually expanded over time, resulting in the current size of around 33 hectares. After obtaining a degree in oenology from Beaune, Pierrick embarked on a journey to gain valuable experience by traveling the world and undertaking various internships. Armed with knowledge and a deep passion for winemaking, he returned home to take over the family vineyards and start producing his own wines. Pierrick's cellars, ingeniously built into the side of a hill in the village, allow for much of the winemaking process to be conducted by gravity ensuring gentle handling of the grapes. The vinification takes place traditionally in stainless steel tanks, while some of the Premier and Grand Cru wines undergo a small portion of aging in used barrels, allowing for a full malolactic fermentation. One of his oldest vineyard plots, Les Châtillons, planted in the early 1970s, sits just behind the hill of the Grand Crus and showcases the meticulous use of barrel aging, which adds complexity and depth to the cuvée. In 2016, Pierrick expanded his range by starting a small négoce operation, sourcing must from friends who predominantly farm on the left side of the river. This addition includes premier crus such as Beauroy, Beauregard and Vau de Vey, as well as the grand cru of Bougros. In 2019, Pierrick inherited 8 acres of vines from his father-in-law in the southern sector of Chablis, around the village of Courgis. This inheritance includes Petit Chablis, 5.5 acres of Chablis and just over half an acre of the premier cru Les Butteaux. Pierrick Laroche's dedication to his craft is evident in every bottle of wine he produces. With a perfect blend of tradition and innovation, his wines showcase the unique terroir of Chablis, captivating enthusiasts with their finesse, complexity and distinct character. As Pierrick continues to nurture and expand his vineyards, he upholds the family legacy while leaving his own mark on the world of Chablis winemaking. The name of Pierrick's Domaine, "hâtes" refers to an old agricultural unit of measure, similar to the English rod. It evokes the long and slender fields used for sowing, where the longer rows made plowing easier with fewer turns. The term "hâtes" was often used to describe such fields. The 2021 Domaine des Hâtes Pierrick Laroche Chablis is a promising and faithful expression of the unique terroir of Chablis. Crafted from vineyards averaging 25 years old in proximity to Chablis village, this wine benefits from Pierrick Laroche's meticulous vineyard and cellar work. On the nose, aromas of lemon zest, green apple and honeysuckle are found, reflecting the influence of the Kimmeridgian limestone soils. The palate is treated to vibrant acidity and flavors of citrus, stone fruits and a subtle mineral note, showing the hallmark terroir-driven character of Chablis. While youthful and delicious now, this Chablis also possesses the structure and acidity to evolve and gain more complexity over 5-10 years.

Since its created in 1953, Françoise Chauvene has been reflecting its attachment to and respect for the terroir and traditions in the marking of its wines. The Lajolie Chardonnay from Françoise Chauvenet has youthful buttery, fruity, aromas with an elegant concentrated flavour on the palate followed by a slight touch of oak.

Don PX grapes are the speciality of Toro Albalá and each is treated exclusively, from harvest to desiccation. It is this total control process that gives the wines their unique character and their creator strives to excite the wine taster with each one. The Toro Albalá winery began in the heart of Southern Cordoba in 1922, which is famous for its wine region Montilla-Moriles. Toro Albala winery has received awards in recognition of its constancy in the world of viticulture. Patience bears sweet fruit, something which winemaker and enologist Antonio Sánchez knows well, having dedicated all his life to this and for whom the Pedro Ximénez grapes are as if they were his own offspring, grown under the best conditions to ensure sufficient character and to be a part of the most wonderful dinner gatherings. This project has spanned many years, generations in fact.