Past Shipments

Errazuriz Carmenère 2007, Chile

The Judgement of Paris - organised by the Chairman of our Board of Wine Advisors Steven Spurrier – is famous for not only establishing the credibility of California’s wines, but for also acting as an impetus to California’s burgeoning wine industry, stimulating both demand and sales of its wines worldwide. Inspired by this event and its consequences, Chilean wine producer Eduardo Chadwick set out to do something similar for the Chilean Wine Industry. In what has now become known as the Berlin Tasting of 2004, Chadwick invited 36 journalists (including Steven Spurrier) and wine merchants to Berlin to taste blind a selection of wines from Chile, France and Italy. Classics from France (including Chateau Lafite, Chateau Latour and Chateau Margaux) and Italy (including Tignanello, Sassicaia and Solaia) were pitted against some of Chadwick’s wines from the same vintages.

Chadwick’s wines wines remarkably came out on top, and Chile suddenly found itself prominently perched on the world wine map. Initially famous for its juicy Merlots and mouthwatering Cabernets, Chile really brought to the fore the Carmenère, which is thought have originated in Bordeaux, where at one point it was widely cultivated for blending. Owing to the fickle nature of its growth and its low yields, it was phased out after the Phylloxera attack that destroyed most of Europe’s vines in the late 1800s. The “lost grape of Bordeaux” was thought to have disappeared forever, until it was rediscovered in the valleys of Chile, where until 1994, it was mistaken for Merlot.

What better an offering than a Carmenère from Eduardo Chadwick’s own winery? Its deep red robe, black berry nose and mocha palate are destined to please. Utterly enjoyable by itself, or with a good steak.

Reveilo Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2006, India

Reveilo has firmly established itself as one of the finest wine producers in India. Its stable boasts of several thoroughbreds, but none match the pedigree of its Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve. Most producers do not successfully grow Cabernet Sauvignon in Indian conditions; those that do are so pleased by their monumental achievement, that they promptly unleash their entire inventory on the Indian consumer immediately. To produce India’s top Cabernet, and to then contain it in European oak for nine months, could be considered an unimaginable risk. But the people behind Reveilo’s success – Yatin and Kiran Patil – have been consistently uncompromising. Within seconds of watching your first pour of the Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve swirl in your glass, you are struck by its inky colour and commanding presence. Your first sniff of it clearly suggests dark fruit, dark chocolate and dark spice, and even before your very first sip, you are asking yourself, “Is this India’s finest wine?”

It very well might be, if its palate can back up both nose and robe. It doesn’t back them up...it surpasses both! Full-bodied yet smooth, complex yet refined. Velvety tannins, chocolate and tar on the tastebuds. A true masterpiece. The only problem lies with trying to pair it with food; after that first sip, you wouldn’t know whether to drink it or to observe it. Either way, a very savoury experience.

Henkell Trocken, Germany

In 1832, after having spent a considerable part of his youth selling wine in Bordeaux and Burgundy, Adam Henkell decided to establish himself as a wine merchant in Mainz, Germany. About the same time, many wine producers in the region – after repeated trips to Champagne – began to use the méthode traditionnelle (traditional method) to make sparkling wine. Henkell found himself completely absorbed by this process, and by 1856, had set up his own sparkling wine facility. So successful was his undertaking - and the marketing strategies of his descendants - that by World War I, every second bottle of sparkling wine came from Henkell! Today, Henkell is the world’s largest producer of sparkling wine. Henkell’s Trocken is the family-run company’s signature brand. The Trocken – meaning ‘dry’ in German – is a cuvée of classic French grape varieties, like the Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc and Blanc de Noir (Pinot Noir). This effervescent Trocken delights with discreet aromas of tropical fruit that contrast powerfully with its vivid palate and enduring finish! Savour by itself or with light canapés.

10 Chapters Introduction, South Africa

In 2003, several winemaking students from the University of Stellenbosch – the spiritual home of winemaking in South Africa – decided that South African wines did not represent the terroir of the country as a whole. They requested wineries from across South Africa to donate 3 bottles each in order to create a blend that would allow it to speak for the terroir of the entire country. They received 663 bottles from 221 wineries, and proceeded to make some rather astonishing blends that were very well received.

Buoyed by the success of his experiment, Stefan Gerber decided to set up 10 Chapters, a winery that would tell you the story of the terroir from each of South Africa’s ten distinct winemaking regions, one chapter at a time. His undertaking was inspiring enough for Jonty Rhodes - South African legend and Wisden Cricketer of the Year 1999 – to throw himself on board.

10 Chapters’ first chapter begin promisingly with its introductory range, aptly titled “Introduction”. The story is set in the Western Cape. Our protagonists are the fair Sauvignon Blanc, and the dusky Shiraz, grape types on opposite ends of the spectrum, meant to highlight the remarkably diverse yet fertile soils of the Western Cape region.

The Sauvignon Blanc is pale yellow, with freshly cut grass, asparagus and some capsicum on its brisk nose. It’s palate is cool, crisp and utterly refreshing. Must be paired with seafood!

The Shiraz demands pasta and spice! Dark and deep, with layers of black berry, spice and chocolate on both nose and palate, its balanced finish encourages you to read more about South Africa, one glassful at a time.

Trivento Tribu Torrontés 2008, Argentina

From almost the very moment that this wine was delivered to our offices, we knew that we’d stumbled on to something special. However, nothing prepared us for the manner in which the aromas of this wine’s bouquet struck us squarely in the face! Aromas of grapefruit and peach leapt from our glasses. Even though Torrontés – a white wine varietal almost unheard of outside Argentina – is known for its intensely aromatic whites, we weren’t expecting such an incredible nose. With floral notes and the slightest hint of aniseed on the palate, this wine received unanimous approval from our entire tasting panel, and would please even the most hesitant of wine drinkers. Enjoy by itself as an aperitif, or with spicy food or smoked meats.