Cousino-Macul Sauvignon Gris 2009/7 (Chile)

Sauvignon Gris is a relatively rare grape variety, originating from the Graves district of Bordeaux. Light straw in colour, this wine has aromas of white peach, mandarin, wildflowers and citrus fruits with just a hint of ginger. On the palate it is fuller bodied than a Sauvignon Blanc with more of the white peach flavours and a slight spiciness. This combination of a smooth yet quite powerful wine makes it a good match with swordfish, tuna, chinese food, smoked salmon and creamy chicken dishes. Also highly recommended by Homes & Gardens Magazine in May 2008 as a match for Pesto & Mozzarella Pancake Pockets!

De Kuyper Creme de Cassis

Blackcurrant liqueur, used most commonly with sparkling wines to make Kir Royale cocktails.

Château L'Hestrange Beaujolais Villages 2008
(Beaujolais, France)

Made at one of the highest estates in Burgundy the owner of this estate, Laurent Metge-Toppin (nick-named the ‘Mange-Tout’) has been described as “The flying wine-maker working in the clouds of Beaujolais.” If he was English he would also be politely described as ‘slightly eccentric’ as when not working on his own estate Laurent also consults at the Siam winery in Thailand where they harvest using both elephants and punt-like boats in the drainage ditches to carry grapes back to the winery for processing! In Thailand the current wine-vintage is 2553 as they use the Buddhist calendar.

A lovely silky, soft, fruit driven Beaujolais, with aromas of violets (and a hint of banana) and redfruit laden palate. Great served lightly chilled.

Vina Chocalan Syrah/Petit Verdot Rosé 2008
(Chile)

“A joyful, sensual, refined and cherry red, this rosé is pure excitement. Opening with pleasant aromas of strawberries, raspberries and candied apples, this rosé wine is very fruity, clean and crisp with ripe fruit flavours of apples and redcurrants with a nice, neat finish. Chocalán’s 2006 rosé shows a sensual balance between power and delicacy, between lush body and lively freshness, between the complexity of a grand wine and the aromatic exuberance of youth. Adding to its appeal, this rosé also pairs well with a variety of summer dishes such as barbeque, chicken salad and coleslaw.” Winemaker’s comments. Winner of both the overall rosé trophy and a gold medal at the Wines of Chile awards.

Botter Pinot Grigio 'La Casada' 2008(Italy)

A creamy, soft and full-bodied Pinot Grigio with a nice, limey freshness and good citric finish

Cune Rioja Crianza 2006

Errazuriz Late Harvest Sauvignon Blanc 2007(Casablanca Valley, Chile)

The pale yellow colour will turn golden with time. The nose displays myriad concentrated ripe fruit aromas, ranging from cherimoya to apricot interlaced withsubtle notes of orange zest and a hint of honey. The sweet, lush texture envelops the palate while crisp acidity maintains with wine's freshness."

That is the winemaker's note - all I would add is that Chilean late-harvested Sauvignon is an undiscovered treat for most lovers of dessert wine.

CVNE Rioja Crianza 2006 (Spain )

Bright cherry colour wirh some violet nuances. On the nose, red berry aromas remain over the oaky and balsamic notes froms its aging in wood. It shows and elegant, yet very lively wine with some spicy notes and a balanced acidity. The name derives from the winery initials. At the beginning a red "clarete" wine was made as a fine wine in the style of the Bordeaux "claret" produced by the great chateaux's of the Medoc. This style of wine was in demand from the end of the 19th century, when the French wine industry was destroyed by phylloxera and a substitute was needed. This wine, formerly known as 'Tercer Ano' or '3rd year', is today called 'Crianza'. Its success motivated the production of Reserva wines. Nowadays, under the Cune brand we find a Crianza, Reserva and Rose wines. The 'Cune Rosado' is produced entirely from red Garnacha grape variety. The wines are the modern expression of traditional wine making in Rioja Alta.

Chateau Haut Pasquet 2006

A traditonal Bordeaux blend (i.e.) Merlot and Cabernet) but made in a clean new world fruit driven style.

58 Guineas Everyday Claret 2008 (Bordeaux, France)

On the nose fresh and forward lively red fruit backed by good depth - true claret typicity. Youthful but unmistakeable. The palate is round and medium bodied, perfectly balanced flavours of youthful red fruit with claret backbone, easily enjoyable on its own or with food.